What?

That's right.

As a future physician myself, I see physicians day in and day out make suggestions that may be useful for the patient and actually may not be at all.

While physicians aim to be thorough and helpful in providing proper suggestions and treatments, they are, after all, humans.

Physicians also tend to get stuck in ruts. Meaning that after a few years of practicing, they begin to prescribe usual things and recommend similar treatments. Are these treatments and prescriptions right for you?

Ask.

For example, I and my wife went to 13 different orthopedists before we found one we trusted. We trusted him because he was current on resesarch, did not know the answer to all my questions, did not pretend to know everything, was not cocky, was young (this may be pro or con depending on the situation) and knew not to go full force and get everything done in one surgery. He also knew that what the other surgeons wanted to do was wrong as the procedure was not appropriate for a 30 year old; it was appropriate for a 50 year old or even 60 year old.

Be respectful when asking your physician for information - don't interrogate, don't put them on the defensive. Be inquisitive without putting them on the spot. Just seek information. Ask, 'Doctor, I appreciate your suggestion however Id like to know if there are any alternatives to xxxxx' or 'Doctor, may I ask why you think this is the best option for me?'

If they seem put off by your questions or intolerant, then this physician may not be for you. After all, the physician was hired by you. You are not stuck to them.

Be careful also when asking someone for a reference as many people say their doctor is the best. They of course want to say their doctor is the best. Why would they say their doctor sucks? If they do, then at least you have good information - do not go to that doctor.

Now to go see patients....and I must say, as a naturopathic physician, we have inquiring patients galore.

I love it.